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From garage and estate sales to pawn shops and auction houses, shopping for and identifying antiques is a fun way to learn about the stylistic hallmarks and aesthetic traditions of times past. Whether for private use or for profit, correctly appraising antiques takes practice, and this program in western Virginia provides a safe atmosphere in which to delve into American antiques and acquire methods of critical evaluation. Classroom lectures combine with hands-on comparison of examples, providing a primer in how to recognize valuable pieces and properly restore and preserve them. Field trips to Booker T. Washington National Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest add a personal element to your examination of western Virginia antiques.

Highlights

• Compare and contrast the various furniture styles established in Colonial Virginia.
• Visit Poplar Forest - Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat - and marvel at Jefferson's architectural and horticultural brilliance.
• Visit a local antique establishment and put classroom knowledge to good use by identifying period pieces and gauging authenticity.

Activity Notes

Walking and standing for up to one hour.Date Notes9/27/2015This 5 night, 6 day program date includes segments with a former Collections Manager and Registrar at Colonial Williamsburg who will provide behind-the-scenes insights about acquiring and caring for the priceless American antiques on display at living history museums. She will also discuss her personal and professional relationship with Tasha Tudor - the well known author and illustrator of a beloved series of children's books, and antiques collector.Coordinated by Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Educational Center.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!